The GOS 235 – Perumal & Adiyen 36 – Holy Theertha in Tirumala, as said by Durvasa and Agastya

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here. The readers are requested to send their spiritual experiences related to the Siddhas to GnanaBoomi at Gmail dot com. Though the experiences are unique and personal to them, it can shower some light or guidance to those who read them. Thanks!
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Emperor Dileepa visited Tirumala once and asked Maharishi Durvasa about the glory of the holy hill Tirumala.

“Not just one or two, we can go on talking about it. The story of 7 hills is not over with Narayanadhri. There is another story. But before we get there, there are a number of things which not many knows about Tirumala.

There was only one Koneri Theertha before. As Venkatava is gracefully present here, this hill became the holiest. Kali fought and lost to Venkatava. Then there were a number of holy theertha appeared. Simply put, there are 66 koti theertha here. Out of these, 1008 are very special. Even going further, there are 216 out of the 1008 which are very very special. Out of these 216, if one takes a holy dip in any of the 108 theertha, or even sprinkles a drop or two on their head, their sins for 7 births will be washed off. Such holy are they.”

“Can you please show me those 108 theertha?” – humbly asked Dileepa.

Durvasa Maharishi closed his eyes for a while and meditated. Then he began to say: “Towards the south-eastern side of Venkatava’s temple is Chakra Theertha and the one nearby this theertha is Vajra Theertha. They are holiest.

Near Vajra Theertha is Vishwasena Theertha, in the north there is Panchayutha Theertha, close to which is Alaayutha Theertha. There is then Narasimha Theertha. Towards the west after a little distance is Vandalkasipa Theertha, Agni Theertha, Manmatha Theertha, Brahma Theertha, Gowthama Theertha, Vishwamithra Theertha, Bhargava Theertha, Chaipava Theertha, Deva Theertha, Ashta Kona Maharishi Theertha are there.

Such theertha are made by RIshi’s and are awaiting for the Nithya Pooja of Venkatava. Towards the north eastern side is the Bhairava Theertha, Sesha Theertha, Kshethra Palaka theertha which are highly holy. If we cross them and go towards the Western side..

Dileepa folded his hands and was humbly and blissfully listening to all these, asked: “It may not be possible to take a holy dip in all these right away, is there a way to get benefitted by other means?”

“I knew you would ask this. Agastya who is foremost of all Siddhas who is even better than me is meditating here. Once He finishes, ask Him. He will explain.” – Durvasa pointed the direction and where Agastya is and began to meditate on Venkatava.

Dileepa went and sat before Agastya humbly with folded hands. Not one day but full seven days passed by. The emperor was seated right there, even without drinking water and was meditating too. When Agastya opened his eyes after 7 days, he saw Dileepa seated before meditating. He knew the purpose of his visit and knew that he is a righteous king. He got up and tapped on Dileepa himself. When Dileepa saw Agastya in front of him, he prostrated before Agastya and said, “Dhanyosmi” (I am blessed).

“Dileepa, let auspiciousness be yours. Durvasa Maharishi sent you. Let me tell you what you want to know. From all the 108 Theertha, on the Saturdays of the Purattasi month, all these theerthas mix together in the Pushkarini near the Temple. If one takes a holy dip in Pushkarini in these days, they get the benefit of taking a holy dip in all 108 theertha.” – Dileepa was very pleased to hear this.

Even today, the theerthas on Pushkarini mix in the month of Puratasi through the grace of Lord Venkatachala.